Trussell Trust charity shops taken over by Shaw Trust

Salisbury's Trussell Trust shops on High Street and Catherine Street have been transferred to the anti-poverty charity Shaw Trust.

The shops were officially transferred to Shaw Trust on November 1, with a short closure for rebranding and refitting. They have reopened as of November 15. 

Trussell CEO Emma Revie said: "Our charity shops have provided an immense value to our organisation. For nearly 20 years, Trussell Retail has helped generate vital funds and it’s been an honour working alongside so many inspiring and passionate people who are dedicated to supporting their local community and giving back.  

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“As the need for food banks has drastically increased in recent years, we’ve had to develop and respond. While this need has pushed us to evolve, we are still deeply connected to Wiltshire and our hometown of Salisbury, working together with Salisbury Foodbank and with our head office there.  

Shaw Trust on Catherine Street (Image: Newsquest) “However, we must steward our donations carefully into activities that most closely align with our mission of ending hunger and we are unable to divert further donations into Trussell Retail to strengthen its operations and ensure it thrives."

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Trussell's vision of ending the need for emergency food has led to it focusing investment into its community of food banks and work towards ending hunger and the charity felt that this was preventing the charity shops from fulfilling their potential.  

Shaw Trust on High Street (Image: Newsquest) Emma added: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donates and supports us, and while our financial position remains strong, our vision of a UK without the need for food banks is ambitious and requires our full attention.  

“By transferring the charity shops to an organisation that is set up and dedicated to investing in charity retail, we truly believe Trussell Retail operations will be stronger and more sustainable for the future and we are excited to work together towards our mission.” 

Shaw Trust is a national charity with Wiltshire Roots, with 23 shops across the country.